10 Best Places for Retail Therapy on Kauai

Although Kauai is the smallest of the main Hawaiian Islands, it doesn't lack in unique and exciting choices for shopping. Whether in search of some serious retail therapy or looking to satisfy a craving for a new bikini while on the road, great shopping on Kauai spans island wide. From shops with wares to satisfy daily needs such as sunblock and electronics, to exotic galleries with collection from all over the world, Kauai's shopping is as diverse as the island's terrain itself.

For those looking for the traditional type of mall, Kukui Grove Shopping Center will be the most satisfactory. Common department stores such as Macy's and Sears make a home in this east side shopping center. One can also find unique local boutiques and stores to satisfy daily needs too. Offering the most elegant stores and galleries are the Shops at Kukuiula on the sunny south side. This open air center is bright and new, and has surf shops, jewelry and galleries with exotic finds.

To pick up exotic finds like masks, instruments and jewelery from around the globe, stop into Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art in the quaint North Shore town of Hanalei. An ever changing collection compiled during the owners' travels around the world, this shop feels like a small museum. An abundance of handmade local crafts are available at the Waipa Farmers Market and the Sunshine Farmers Markets.

During shopping adventures remember to bring a reusable shopping bag, since plastics have been banned on Kauai.

A lively, small and historic place to shops, the shops at Old Koloa Town range from surf gear, to women's clothing, to locally made soaps and candles, and a lot more. The shops are all arranged side by side with a porch connecting them all taking advantage of the warm weather.
This is a place mostly for visitor shoppers, although locals frequent some of the eateries in the area. It's quite a bustling shopping center with lively vibrant finds. It's a great stop for something to wear while on Kauai as well as gifts to bring home. Visitors can also find restaurants here as well as a historical memorial for the sugar plantation that once stood there.

A lively, small and historic place to shops, the shops at Old Koloa Town range from surf gear, to women's clothing, to locally made soaps and candles, and a lot more. The shops are all arranged side by side with a porch connecting them all... Read More

Nestled in historic Hanalei between the ocean and the lush green mountains, Ching Young Village is mostly made up unique and exotic gift shops along with stores that provide all the surf gear a beginner or professional could need.
Another Hawaiian style outdoor shopping center where there is not main roof reaching over the entire center, the warm tropical breeze blows through as peaceful and small clusters of people browse through daily. You'll find a mix of visitors and locals here on any given day. It's centrally located in the quaint small town, so shoppers can easily walk from the shopping center anywhere else in town.

Nestled in historic Hanalei between the ocean and the lush green mountains, Ching Young Village is mostly made up unique and exotic gift shops along with stores that provide all the surf gear a beginner or professional could need.
Another... Read More

Comprised of a number of historical structures, including a former schoolhouse, this shopping center boasts a selection of intriguing shops and delicious restaurants. If you're on the North Shore, it's a terrific place to browse and search for local items and souvenirs to take back home. You'll also find a few service-oriented businesses, should you be in the market for a haircut or the like. There's plenty of places to eat in this former schoolhouse too, as well as a huge lawn to relax on. It's just steps away from everything else Hanalei has to offer so it's easy to explore the town from here.

Comprised of a number of historical structures, including a former schoolhouse, this shopping center boasts a selection of intriguing shops and delicious restaurants. If you're on the North Shore, it's a terrific place to browse and search for... Read More

Every first Saturday of the month, a ton of local artists and crafters gather for Kapa`a Art Night where they line the streets with booths featuring their wares. Locally crafted jewelry, paintings, decor and other locally made things are all available while meeting the artists or other new people. Live music usually takes place and restaurants and shops are open. Kapa'a Art Night is part shopping extravaganza, part social scene, and part nightlife. This is the best place on the island to find an abundance of locally made gifts, art and home decor. Support local artists by gifting their creations.

Every first Saturday of the month, a ton of local artists and crafters gather for Kapa`a Art Night where they line the streets with booths featuring their wares. Locally crafted jewelry, paintings, decor and other locally made things are all... Read More

Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art, a quaint but wonderful shop in Hanalei, features a collection of treasures from the countries of Oceania, the land of betel nut, crocodiles and headhunters. Many items are museum quality and were collected during the owner's five year voyage around the Pacific by boat. All are one of a kind, including masks, tikis and contemporary jewelry influenced by primitive designs. Every table, sculpture, calabash,necklace � everything � comes with an interesting story. Fantastic and beautiful items that are rich in traditional culture grace the walls of this gallery like shop. This shop feels museum like.

Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art, a quaint but wonderful shop in Hanalei, features a collection of treasures from the countries of Oceania, the land of betel nut, crocodiles and headhunters. Many items are museum quality and were collected during... Read More

In its heyday, this grand, 1930s-era mansion was the focal point of a successful sugar-cane plantation. Today, the Tudor-style, 16000-square-foot home has been restored to its original glory and houses galleries, boutiques, and the historic train.
Visitors may wander its halls with their rich detailing and explore the cottages that lie on the estate's grounds. In addition, Gaylord's gourmet food fit for a locovore, and local artwork and crafts from on-site shops make ideal souvenirs. You'll also find Kauai's only rum distillery and a ceramics shop where you can make your own pottery to ship home.
Spend a day at Kilohana shopping and taking in the history.

In its heyday, this grand, 1930s-era mansion was the focal point of a successful sugar-cane plantation. Today, the Tudor-style, 16000-square-foot home has been restored to its original glory and houses galleries, boutiques, and the historic... Read More

Local handmade crafts and locally grown produce can be found island wide at the various Sunshine Farmers Markets taking place every day of the week. You'll find food to take home and prepare, as well as ready made meals, clothing, jewelry, and other crafts. They also serve as a really great place to socialize. Below is a listing with days, location and times.
-In Koloa at the Koloa Ball Park off of Maluhia Road Mondays at 12 noon.
-In Kalaheo at the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center on Papalina Road off Kaumualii Highway Tuesdays at 3 p.m.
-In Kapaa at Kapaa New Town Park on Kahau Street Wednesday at 3 p.m.
-In Hanapepe at Hanapepe Park Thursdays at 3 p.m.
-In Kilauea at the Kilauea Neighborhood Center Thursdays at 4:30 p.m.
-In Lihu'e at Vidinha Stadium on Hoolako Road Fridays at 3 p.m.
-In Kekaha at the Kekaha Neighborhood Center on Elepaio Road Saturdays at 9 a.m.

Local handmade crafts and locally grown produce can be found island wide at the various Sunshine Farmers Markets taking place every day of the week. You'll find food to take home and prepare, as well as ready made meals, clothing, jewelry, and... Read More

One of the island's largest shopping venues, Kukui Grove features an open courtyard and boasts such distractions as miniature golf, weekly Polynesian entertainments, and live music on weekends. Dozens of shops offer all sorts of temptations, from clothing to artwork. You'll also discover a good selection of restaurants, ideal for grabbing a quick bite or scoping out for other moments during your vacation. In addition, a farmer's market is held every Monday afternoon at 3 p.m. This is where shoppers will find common department stores such as Macy's and Sears, as well as locally owned shops and boutiques offering Hawaiian style finds.

One of the island's largest shopping venues, Kukui Grove features an open courtyard and boasts such distractions as miniature golf, weekly Polynesian entertainments, and live music on weekends. Dozens of shops offer all sorts of temptations,... Read More

Locally made and grown everything is what you will find at the Waipa Ranch Farmers Market outside of Hanalei at the end of the North Shore. Fruit, vegetables, jewelry, crafts, clothing - you name it and it's there. This is a great place to watch and absorb the local culture and people and meet the friendly folks of the North Shore.
Whether you're holiday shopping or looking for a healthy and delicious meal, you'll be treated to something wonderful at the market. The views in the valley are great too.
The market takes place every Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and is located right across from the beach.

Locally made and grown everything is what you will find at the Waipa Ranch Farmers Market outside of Hanalei at the end of the North Shore. Fruit, vegetables, jewelry, crafts, clothing - you name it and it's there. This is a great place to watch... Read More

The near shore shopping center located in sunny Poipu is a mix of elegance with it's modern and tropical design and casual and high end shopping.
Fashion, gifts, and decor are are available in many different boutiques like Bungalow Nine and the Red Koi Collection. Modern paintings and island inspired photography are also available here. Surf shops, men and women's clothing, resort wear, and a gourmet grocery shop add up to providing everything you could need.
The Shops at Kukuiula are perfect for serious retail therapy or even a stroll though window shopping while enjoying a shave ice or ice cream.

The near shore shopping center located in sunny Poipu is a mix of elegance with it's modern and tropical design and casual and high end shopping.
Fashion, gifts, and decor are are available in many different boutiques like Bungalow Nine and... Read More

Meet Jade Eckardt

Raised on the Big Island of Hawaii, Jade has traveled the world and doesn't intend to stop, yet the Hawaiian Islands are still her favorite place. She spent seven years living on Oahu and... More About Jade